Have You Ever Been Asked to Guest Blog? Advice Desired!

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When I first started this post I thought my answer to the question of being asked to guest blog was "no," but then I remembered an opportunity I did have a couple of years ago. I was pretty new to blogging myself at the time and didn't follow through with it. The request was from a reputable organization, so I wasn't worried about who was asking me. My lack of follow through was due to lack of self confidence at the time.

A colleague emailed me today because she had been asked to guest blog and wanted my advice. What should you look for? Putting your words and name on someone else's site seems very attractive, but we need to be careful where we put our words and our name, as it can reflect on our reputation down the road.

Here are some of the questions I told her I would ask. What kinds of questions would you add to this list? Please add them in the comments. All contributions are appreciated, and if you actually have guest blogging experience, it would be wonderful if you would tell a little about how that has worked out for you.

• I would want to know who the person or organization is behind the blog and what their background/reputation/experience is in the area I'm being asked to write about.
• I would want to know if my post would be edited in any way or if it would be posted as submitted. If edited, would I be able to see the final version and give a yea or nay as to whether it is posted?
• If the blog I'm being asked to post on is ad free, I'd want to know if it intends to remain ad free and if not, when will it be monetized and how? 
• If the blog is NOT ad free, I'd be careful to look at who/what they were advertising, remembering that my content could become associated with the advertisers and that my content could be making money for someone else.
• I would want permission to cross post the content back on my own blog.

What am I leaving out? Please add your wisdom in the comments below! Thanks!

@EdTechSandyK at #SXSWedu via Storify

Instead of doing the usual summary/wrap-up blog post for the SXSWedu 2012 conference, I decided to try a new-to-me tool I saw used a few times throughout SXSWedu week. Apparently, it went into public beta in April 2011, but I've missed it or glossed over it since then.

Storify allows users to mashup content from multiple social media sources such as Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr to create a flow of events. One session I attended used Storify to archive the session. Another member of my PLN used Storify to curate her conference experience. The second example inspired me to do the same.

In interacting with others' already published Storifies, one of the features I found most appealing was the ability to actually reply or retweet the embedded Tweets from right within the story. This functionality allows the learning to easily continue!

Embedded below is my very first Storify. I invite you to peruse it and follow me on my SXSWedu learning journey.

When you are finished interacting with my Storify below, please consider taking time to comment answering one or more of these questions: Have you used Storify before? If so, what kinds of purposes have you found for it? If you haven't used it, can you think of ways you might use it for teaching and learning? Thanks!

21st Century Learning in the Low-Tech Classroom #SXSWedu

Notes from SXSWedu 2012 Concurrent Session


Stephanie Sandifer, Houston A+ Challenge
http://ed421.com

Session resources posted at: https://21stclinltclassroom.wikispaces.com/

Also search Twitter for info based on session hashtag #21cLT

Presenter would love to not have to do this session - many of the solutions she offers here are bandaids.

We can't let limited access to technology prevent us from addressing what needs to happen in the classroom. Even without technology you can create a learner-centered classroom. Even high-tech classrooms can still be teacher-centered. The ideal is high-tech and learner-centered.

Those who are here from the private sector can help by using their networks to support and influence what's going on in schools.

Flipped Classroom Model - Although there is a lot of debate around the effectiveness of this model, it is catching on. What if your kids are going home to a place without access. You have to think about redesigning your classroom. Could students watch the videos by rotating to the computer during independent work time?

Critical Friends Groups - Use discussion protocols to learn together. Protocols have strong structures that makes sure everyone has a voice and chance to contribute and learn. Can be accomplished with or without technology.

Jigsaw Grouping - A quick way to move people into groups throughout a class period. PDF on Wiki.

I.D.E.A. - Innovation, Discovery, and Engagement Area - Use Idea paint to turn any wall into a whiteboard.  Put furniture on wheels so movement around the room is easy. Also make a "genius bar". Google David Jakes to find more on this. NOTE: David Jakes left a comment below stating the I.D.E.A. concept should be credited instead to Ryan Bretag of Glenbrook North High School. So noted. Google Bretag.

My Fakebook - Google doc template bit.ly/21cLT - Create fake profiles for people, things, etc. Can print out and use in a handwritten format if you don't have access to technology. Thought process of creating profile is more important than accomplishing with technology.

One teacher in audience shares that one of his Type-A students was taking pics of the notes on the board at the end of each class, & other students asked her to text or email the pics. She became a caretaker of the class and the idea spread to other classes.

Ask your students what you can do to make lessons more engaging. They'll let you know.

Post classroom resources on your website. Most kids will have a way to get to it.

What can administrators do? Model, engage your teachers in a dialog on what can be done differently, enlist teachers' help as peer coaches. Set expectations and create the culture you need on your campus.

TASB rep in audience says: Bring your school boards along - they are good people who want to help you! Present to them; show them what's going on and what needs to go on.